A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD chasing a hat-trick of victories in a two-and-a-half-mile race isn't the sort of proposition that would normally quicken the pulses of John Magnier and Co but Yeats can underline the power of sentiment in today's Gold Cup.
The Aidan O'Brien-trained star is never going to hold centre-stage at Coolmore Stud. Commercial demands for speed mean Yeats is almost an anachronism at Ballydoyle alongside Henrythenavigator and the other potential stallion goldmines. But he is still a remarkable racehorse with a little chunk of history in his sights.
Sagaro (1975-'77) is the only horse in the long history of the Gold Cup to have won the Royal Ascot centrepiece three times.
Yeats looks to have a similar potent blend of stamina and class; he was after all, favourite for the 2003 Derby until injury prevented him running. He showed what he might have done in the blue riband by landing the Coronation Cup at Epsom in 2004. It's little wonder he has overcome all opposition in this race for the last two years.
International opposition this time includes the German Le Miracle and the South African Group One winner Thundering Star but progressive young French raider Coastal Path might chisel out any weakness in the champion.
The O'Brien team will hope Yeats can make the most of his own different preparation, a single warm-up in the Vintage Crop Stakes at Navan. Johnny Murtagh is on board after Kieren Fallon in 2006 and Michael Kinane last year, and while Coastal Path looks a genuine threat, Yeats can complete the hat-trick.
Elsewhere, Irish hopes may be best served by Dermot Weld's Central Station in the Listed Hampton Court Stakes. For a colt having just a second start, Central Station shaped well in last month's Gallinule Stakes at the Curragh when third to Hebredian and Lisvale.
With some rain forecast today, the ground may suit the Weld runner who will be joined in the race by Aidan O'Brien's Derby flop King Of Rome. Weld also has the Leopardstown runner-up Ghimaar in the King George V Stakes but the Hamdan Al Maktoum colours are also carried in this by Daraahem, who looks progressive.
Kitty Matcham has cut little ice in three classics so far this season and drops to Group Two level for the Ribblesdale Stakes. The beautifully bred sister to Horatio Nelson is still highly rated but preference is for the Oaks sixth Cape Amber.
Bellomi won well at Epsom on his last start and has a good draw in the Britannia which will give jockey Eddie Ahern options.
Royal Ascot Tips
2.30 Finjaan
3.05 Cape Amber
3.45 Yeats
4.20 Bellomi
4.55 Central Station
5.30 Daraahem
